Mouth sores

Definition

There are different types of mouth sores. They can occur anywhere in the mouth including:

Bottom of the mouth

Inner cheeks

Gums

Lips

Tongue

Alternative Names

Aphthous stomatitis; Herpes simplex; Cold sores

Causes

Mouth sores may be caused by irritation from:

A sharp or broken tooth or poorly fitting dentures

Biting your cheek, tongue, or lip

Burning your mouth from hot food or drinks

Braces

Chewing tobacco

Cold sores are caused by the herpes simplex virus . They are very contagious. Often, you will have tenderness, tingling, or burning before the actual sore appears. Cold sores usually begin as blisters and then crust over. The herpes virus can live in your body for years. It only appears as a mouth sore when something triggers it, such as:

Another illness, especially if there is a fever

Hormone changes (such as menstruation)

Stress

Sun exposure

Canker sores are not contagious. They may look like a pale or yellow ulcer with a red outer ring. You may have one, or a group of them. Women seem to get them more than men. The cause of canker sores is not clear. It may be due to:

A weakness in your immune system (for example, from the cold or flu)

Hormone changes

Stress

Lack of certain vitamins and minerals in the diet, including vitamin B12 or folate

Less commonly, mouth sores can be a sign of an illness, tumor, or reaction to a medication. This can include:

Over-the-counter medications, such as Orabase, can protect a sore inside the lip and on the gums. Blistex or Campho-Phenique may provide some relief of canker sores and fever blisters, especially if applied when the sore first appears.

Acyclovir cream 5% can also be used help reduce the duration of the cold sore.

To help cold sores or fever blisters, you can also apply ice to the sore.

When to Contact a Medical Professional

Call your doctor if:

The sore begins soon after you start a new medication

You have large white patches on the roof of your mouth or your tongue (this may be thrush or another type of infection)

Your mouth sore lasts longer than 2 weeks

You have a weakened immune system (for example, from HIV or cancer)

You have other symptoms like fever, skin rash, drooling, or difficulty swallowing

What to Expect at Your Office Visit

The doctor or nurse will examine you, and closely check your mouth and tongue. You will be asked questions about your medical history and symptoms.

Treatment may include:

A medicine that numbs the area such as lidocaine to ease pain. (Do not use in children.)

An antiviral medication to treat herpes sores. (However, some experts do not think medicine makes the sores go away sooner.)

Steroid gel that you put on the sore.

A paste that reduces swelling or inflammation (such as Aphthasol).

A special type of mouthwash such as chlorhexidine gluconate (such as Peridex).

Prevention

You may reduce your chance of getting common mouth sores by:

Avoiding very hot foods or beverages

Reducing stress and practicing relaxation techniques like yoga or meditation

Chewing slowly

Using a soft-bristle toothbrush

Visiting your dentist right away if you have a sharp or broken tooth or misfitting dentures

If you seem to get canker sores often, talk to your doctor about taking folate and vitamin B12 to prevent outbreaks.

To prevent cancer of the mouth:

Do not smoke or use tobacco.

Limit alcohol to two drinks per day.

Wear a wide-brimmed hat to shade your lips. Wear a lip balm with SPF 15 at all times.